But he also sees the need for improvement, especially in reading and literacy.

In academic achievement, the system had increases in students scoring proficient or advanced on TCAP (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program) tests in third-grade reading, seventh-grade math, seventh-grade reading and grades 3-8 math, with 3-8 reading leveled off and third-grade math down a bit.

On the TCAP criterion referenced academic achievement, an A is a score of 55 or more.

“What we are looking for is the number 55,” Timbs said.

Timbs said that while math was up and science was making a more modest climb, reading and social studies are not increasing enough and are getting a special focus and attention.